Junior- To Mid-Level Patent Prosecution And Counseling Associate Attorney

Job Overview:
A law firm in Houston, TX, is seeking a Junior- to Mid-Level Patent Prosecution and Counseling Associate Attorney to join their team. The ideal candidate will have 2 years of experience in patent prosecution and counseling, along with a strong technical background in electrical engineering, computer engineering, applied physics, or computer science. This role will primarily involve patent prosecution and counseling but will also provide opportunities to engage in various other legal tasks related to intellectual property.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage and prosecute patent applications before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Provide strategic patent counseling and guidance to clients, including patentability assessments, freedom-to-operate analyses, and patent portfolio management.
• Draft and review patent applications, office action responses, and other related documents.
• Conduct patent searches and analyses to support litigation and licensing strategies.
• Collaborate with clients to understand their technological innovations and business goals.
• Assist in the development and implementation of patent strategies aligned with clients' objectives.
• Support various types of related legal work as needed, including IP litigation and transactional matters.
• Stay current with changes in patent laws and regulations, as well as emerging technologies.

Requirements:

• 2 years of experience in patent prosecution and counseling.
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Technical degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Applied Physics, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Admission to the U.S. Bar and registration to practice before the USPTO.
• Proven ability to handle a caseload efficiently and meet deadlines.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Applied Physics, Computer Science, or a related technical field.

Certifications:

• U.S. Bar membership.
• Registration to practice before the USPTO.

Skills:

• Strong technical understanding of electrical engineering, computer engineering, applied physics, or computer science.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in patent law and intellectual property issues.
• Ability to work collaboratively with clients and team members.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and organizational skills.

This AmLaw 100 firm is consistently praised by its associates for offering high caliber, interesting work while still allowing for flexibility in work schedule and respect for its associates. The firm has been consistently on the cutting edge of legal developments, and is a leader in the data privacy and cyber security space. Its associates get top-of-the-market pay and complex work. The atmosphere is friendly and the firm values the career development of its associates, offering great training opportunities and mentorship.